Lawrence of Arabia

Nominated for ten Oscars and awarded seven, this epic recounts the life of Thomas Edward Lawrence (1888–1935), known as Lawrence of Arabia. Between the two World Wars, Lawrence became a legendary figure—an archaeologist, soldier, and writer, but above all, an extraordinary personality.

As a boy, he dreamed of a noble crusade to liberate an oppressed people, and later found the realization of that dream among the Arabs. Deeply familiar with Arab culture and mentality, Lawrence was sent in 1916 as a British political agent to Emir Faisal I. There, the young observer and diplomatic supporter became the unifier of dozens of Arab tribes in their fight against Turkish rule. An idealist, dreamer, and intellectual, Lawrence proved to be a remarkably skilled strategist and a true leader, revered by the Arabs almost as a deity. Yet he endured profound inner turmoil—his fractured nature never allowed him peace with himself.

Lawrence of Arabia, considered one of the greatest historical films in cinematic history, tells a story larger than life. Epic scale and grandeur are found in its characters, historical events, and sweeping desert vistas, all bound together by Lawrence’s mission and struggle. The title role was played by Peter O’Toole, a bold casting choice at the time, earning him the first of his eight Oscar nominations. The cast also features standout performances from Omar Sharif and the charismatic Anthony Quinn.